Ep 185: Gaslighting and Children: Protecting the Vulnerable

05/13/24 • 16 min

Welcome to another episode of "Let's Talk About Love, Sex, and Infidelity," where we delve into the complex dynamics of relationships and the challenges we face within them. I'm your host, Todd Creager, and today we're tackling a tough but crucial topic: gaslighting within families, specifically focusing on how it affects our children and what we can do to shield and empower the most vulnerable among us.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

Understanding Gaslighting: Discover the mechanics of gaslighting — how it manifests in home environments, affecting not just partners but children who witness these dynamics.
Psychological Impact on Children: Learn about the profound effects gaslighting can have on a child's mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and issues with self-esteem and trust.
Spotting the Signs: I'll guide you through the early warning signs of gaslighting in children, helping you recognize when to take action to mitigate its harmful impacts.
Strategies for Support: Gain valuable insights into creating a supportive and safe environment for children, including therapeutic approaches and practical steps to help them heal and thrive.
Empowering the Vulnerable: Understand the importance of intervention and the role of supportive relationships in fostering a child's ability to trust and express themselves in healthy ways.

In this episode, we explore not only the challenges but also the pathways to recovery and resilience for families affected by gaslighting. By raising awareness and equipping ourselves with knowledge and empathy, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted. So join me, let's provide a foundation of understanding and support to those who need it most.

Don’t miss this empowering discussion—tune in to better understand, support, and advocate for vulnerable children in gaslit families. Your awareness can be the first step towards healing.
TAKE ACTION:
Todd Creager, LCSW, LMFT
Todd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach. He provides relationship counseling to couples throughout Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach. (714) 848-2288.
You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at: https://toddcreager.com

HELPFUL LINKS:
Thinking you’re being manipulated by a gaslighter? Here’s how to spot if you’re being gaslighted: .https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/gaslighting-checklistJOIN TODD ON SOCIAL:
✅ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipBreakthrough

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddCreager

✅ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/todd_creager/

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcreager

✅ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/toddcreager/

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

Understanding Gaslighting: Discover the mechanics of gaslighting — how it manifests in home environments, affecting not just partners but children who witness these dynamics.
Psychological Impact on Children: Learn about the profound effects gaslighting can have on a child's mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and issues with self-esteem and trust.
Spotting the Signs: I'll guide you through the early warning signs of gaslighting in children, helping you recognize when to take action to mitigate its harmful impacts.
Strategies for Support: Gain valuable insights into creating a supportive and safe environment for children, including therapeutic approaches and practical steps to help them heal and thrive.
Empowering the Vulnerable: Understand the importance of intervention and the role of supportive relationships in fostering a child's ability to trust and express themselves in healthy ways.

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddCreager

✅ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/todd_creager/

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcreager

✅ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/toddcreager/

Previous Episode

Ep 184: Building Healthy Relationships After Gaslighting

In today's episode, we're tackling a vital topic that touches the lives of many—building healthy relationships after experiencing gaslighting. Whether you've been directly affected or know someone who has, this episode is designed to offer support, understanding, and actionable advice to help navigate the path to healthier interpersonal connections.

In this episode, you will learn:

The Importance of Support Networks: Discover how to cultivate a circle of friends and allies who uplift and validate you, providing the opposite of your gaslighting experiences.
Self-Care and Validation Techniques: Learn strategies to prioritize your well-being and reclaim your sense of self-worth, essential steps in healing from past trauma.
Navigating New Relationships: Gain insights on how to form and maintain relationships that are respectful, mutual, and healthy—what to look for and how to foster these connections.
The Role of Continuous Growth: Understand the ongoing nature of healing and personal development, and why engaging in therapy or regular self-reflection is crucial for long-term recovery.

In this episode of "Let's Talk About Love, Sex, and Infidelity," I delve deep into the process of rebuilding trust in yourself and others after gaslighting. We'll explore how to establish a supportive network, prioritize your emotional health, and engage in new relationships with confidence and clarity. Each step is a move towards not just surviving, but thriving after adversity.

Tune in to this empowering episode to start your journey toward healthier relationships and a fuller, more authentic life. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions on love, sex, and everything in between.

TAKE ACTION:
Todd Creager, LCSW, LMFT
Todd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach. He provides relationship counseling to couples throughout Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach. (714) 848-2288.
You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at: https://toddcreager.com

HELPFUL LINKS:
Thinking you’re being manipulated by a gaslighter? Here’s how to spot if you’re being gaslighted: .https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/gaslighting-checklist

JOIN TODD ON SOCIAL:

✅ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipBreakthrough

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddCreager

✅ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/todd_creager/

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcreager

✅ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/toddcreager/

Next Episode

Ep #186: The Relationship Between Addictions and Stress

Welcome back to "Let's Talk About Love, Sex, and Infidelity." I'm your host, Todd Creager, and in today’s episode, we're diving deep into the intricate relationship between stress and addiction. As we explore this vital topic, you'll gain insights into how these two forces interact in ways that can profoundly impact our lives and relationships.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

The Vicious Cycle: Discover how stress not only triggers addictive behaviors but also results from them, creating a challenging cycle that can affect all areas of your life.
Impact of Early Life Experiences: Learn how negative events in childhood and adolescence, such as parental divorce or emotional abuse, significantly increase the risk of addiction later in life.
Neurobiological Insights: I’ll share some fascinating details about the neurobiology behind stress and addiction, helping you understand why these patterns are so hard to break.
Breaking the Cycle: We'll discuss strategies to manage stress effectively and reduce the risk of falling into addictive behaviors, offering hope and practical tools for recovery.
Healing and Growth: Understand how treatment and managing stress can lead to personal growth and stronger, healthier relationships.

In this episode, we tackle some heavy topics, but as always, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and practical advice. Whether you're dealing with these issues personally or know someone who is, understanding the relationship between stress and addiction can be the first step towards healing. So, join us as we unravel these complex dynamics and learn how to foster resilience and recovery in the face of challenges.

Tune in now to discover how you can break free from the cycles of stress and addiction and move towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

TAKE ACTION:
Todd Creager, LCSW, LMFT
Todd is a marriage and relationship expert and therapist in Huntington Beach. He provides relationship counseling to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach. (714) 848-2288.
You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at: https://toddcreager.com

HELPFUL LINKS: